Bay 12 Games Forum

Slavery: Legal and practised. A great deal of trade is made in slaves, and many are exported to the more tolerant parts of the island. Many slavers see Rantessa as a slave trade hub and will often make it their first stop. Some slaves work as indentured servants, either to pay for crimes they committed or to work for citizenship to Rantessa if they cannot afford it. Many others are slaves for life, bought and sold from from lands far away. Almost all are granted basic rights in terms of food and safety. Only those slaves charged with the worst of crimes can be done so as the owner wishes, and they are always in high demand.
Prostitution: Legal, and taxed, must keep it within licensed establishments
Justice: Much of the justice systems punishments revolve around the slave trade or boosting the economy in general. Rantessans see little value in locking up their people when they could put them to work. Minor infractions are usually served out in fines. More severe penalties will result in indentured servitude to the wronged party or the state depending on the circumstance for a number of years.  The most severe crimes and repeat offenders will see themselves given over to positions of high risk, and becoming 'marked' slaves (The Arenas, or perhaps someone with darker intentions and the gold to back it up.) Marked slaves are stripped of the basic rights afforded to other Rantessan slaves, and always command a large sum at auction. Often a percentage of the final price is given to the victim or victim's family the criminal wronged.
Immigration: Everyone is free to become a citizen for the right price. Those who cannot afford the fee in gold can enter a contract of servitude with the government or be 'sponsored' by a guild. Trading their services for a number of years in exchange for the right to stay in Rantessa.

All religions are free to practise within the borders of Rantessa as long as they cause no harm to it's citizens or economy. They are all taxed equally. Even more popular religions seem to have more of a flair for business within the borders of Rantessa. Payments for absolution and monthly fees for continued acceptance into the afterlife are common amongst the 'holy men' of the cities.

Magic users are expected to be licensed, but most are free to practise as they will. Even fields normally considered to perverse are at the very least tolerated as long as they are not harming productive citizens. Those who wish to test their darker magics on living beings best be prepared to pay a handsome sum to pay for 'marked' slaves.

Rantessa generally does not focus on military conquest, much more content to flex it's muscles economically. In times of need, in relies heavily on mercenaries. Phalanx of disciplined spear and pikemen are very common. When neighbouring states go to war, these mercenary bands are usually more than eager to offer their services, to the highest bidder of course. Rantessan trade is also quick to fill the void in supplying weapons and armour to any side (often both) that can pay.
Light Infantry 10%
Medium Infantry 40%
Heavy Infantry 20%
Archers 20%
Cavalry 10%
Knights 0%

Rantessa is well known for it's opulence, eccentric style of dress and it's entertainment. It is said that with enough coin, you can find just about any pleasure within the lands of Rantessa. Stand out amongst them are it's Gladiatorial Games. Whether it's mercenaries seeking glory, or condemned slaves seeking freedom, there are no shortages of combatants. With most major cities having at least a small arena for citizens and visitors a like to watch, bet and cheer. Fights to the death are rare, usually saved for those slaves condemned of the most vile crimes.

Doge Vincent is known as gregarious and a seeker of curiosities. Not one to shun a decadent lifestyle, guests of the Doge can expect the finest of treatment and a tour of his strange collection of art of treasures, some said to be from places half way across the world!

The lands of Rantessa used to be a monarchy until it was said that the King of the time became so indebted due to gambling, poor management, and lavish spending that he had to sell his title. The Knavikovs, a powerful merchant house purchased his title as king and set about transforming Rantessa into a Merchant republic and declaring himself and his offspring to come as Doge. Wealth and business acumen would be most respected and revered. They would go on to serve as Doge for hundreds of years, underneath them, the greatest merchant houses and guilds vied for seats on the Rantessan Council, charged with passing laws and overseeing the well-being of the realm.

When the Empire of Mann arrived, The Doge at the time saw that their power was unparallelled. Instead of resisting, they offered to join willingly in exchange for certain considerations in regards to their autonomy. While no means independent, The Doge and his republic were more or less allowed to continue onwards as long as they remained loyal and provided any aid they were asked.
With the collapse of Mann, Doge Vincent is scrambling to fill the void that the Empire left and exploit any potential opportunities that may present themselves. Though their is worry that the foreign trade may disappear, or worse be replaced with foreign powers seeking the same opportunities.